Compact fluid couplings

ABSTRACT

Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured as non-spill fluid couplings. In addition, some embodiments described in this document relate to fluid coupling devices and fluid coupling systems that are constructed in a compact configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 63/219,942, filed Jul. 9, 2021. The disclosure of the priorapplication is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in)the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

This document relates to fluid coupling devices for fluid systems andmethods of their use. For example, some embodiments described in thisdocument relate to fluid coupling devices that are configured asnon-spill fluid couplings and that are constructed in a compactconfiguration.

2. Background Information

Fluid systems commonly include components such as tubing, pumps,reservoirs, fittings, couplings, heat exchangers, sensors, filters,valves, seals, and the like. Such components can be connected togetherin a network to define one or more fluid flow paths.

Fluid coupling assemblies typically include a female coupling device anda male coupling device that are releasably connected to each othercreate a fluid flow path therethrough. Such coupling assemblies can beused in various applications, including biomedical applications,beverage dispensing, instrument connections, photochemical handling,liquid cooling, ink handling, and others.

In the context of some fluid systems, such as a fluid system for liquidcooling of electronics, it may be desirable to use non-spill couplingsthat have minimal or zero fluid spillage during connection anddisconnection of the male and female couplings. Such non-spill couplingswill serve to limit the exposure of the electronics to the fluid thatcould damage the electronics, for example. Such non-spill couplings canalso serve to limit air inclusion during the coupling process.

SUMMARY

This document describes fluid coupling devices for fluid systems andmethods of their use. For example, some embodiments described in thisdocument relate to fluid coupling devices that are configured asnon-spill fluid couplings and that are constructed in a compactconfiguration.

In the context of this disclosure, the term “fluid” means any substancethat can be made to flow including, but is not limited to, liquids,gases, granular or powdered solids, mixtures or emulsions of two or morefluids, suspensions of solids within liquids or gases, vapors, steam,mists, gels, semi-solids, etc.

The fluid coupling devices described herein may also be referred toherein as male and female couplings, “coupling halves,” and/or“connectors.” The male couplings may also be referred to herein as“inserts,” and the female couplings may also be referred to herein as“bodies.”

In some embodiments described herein, the fluid coupling devicesdescribed herein have a modular construction. That is, one or both ofthe coupling halves can include a core module that can be used invarious types of fluid coupling outer bodies. In some embodiments, thecore module includes a valve and one or more fluid seals.

In particular embodiments, the fluid coupling devices described hereinare specifically designed with one or more mechanical components toconfigure the devices as “non-spill” coupling devices. The devicesdescribed herein are referred to as non-spill coupling devices becauseas the male and female portions of the coupling devices are beingconnected to each other and/or disconnected from each other, the designsof the fluid coupling devices will reduce the likelihood of fluiddischarge out of the fluid system (for example, by blocking as suchdischarge paths) and by preventing spillage related to fluid inclusionwithin the fluid coupling devices. Accordingly, contamination of thesurrounding environment can be prevented, and the addition of air intothe fluid system as the couplings are connected to each other can beminimized.

In one aspect, this disclosure is related to a fluid coupling devicethat includes a housing that defines an internal space and a valveassembly disposed within the internal space. The housing comprises afirst housing portion that defines a first internal space portion and afirst end opening; a second housing portion that defines a secondinternal space portion and a second end opening; and a third housingportion coupled to the first and second housing portions, the thirdhousing portion defining a third internal space portion. The valveassembly includes a valve stem and a valve sleeve. The valve assembly isreconfigurable between: (i) a first arrangement in which a fluid flowpath between the first and second end openings is open, and (ii) asecond arrangement in which the valve assembly blocks the fluid flowpath. The third housing portion is disposed at a closed end of the fluidcoupling device.

Such a fluid coupling device may optionally include one or more of thefollowing features. The valve assembly may be within the first internalspace portion. A first portion of the fluid flow path may extend throughthe first internal space portion. A second portion of the fluid flowpath may extend through the second internal space portion. A thirdportion of the fluid flow path may extend through the third internalspace portion. The third portion of the fluid flow path may interconnectthe first and second portions of the fluid flow path. In someembodiments, a cross-section of the third internal space portion takenorthogonally to an axial direction of the third portion of the fluidflow path is rectangular. An area of the rectangular cross-section ofthe third internal space may decrease along a direction from an end ofthe third housing portion that is connected to the first housing portionto an end of the third housing portion that is connected to the secondhousing portion. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path between thefirst and second end openings is U-shaped. The first and second endopenings may both face in a same direction away from the closed end ofthe fluid coupling device. The first internal space portion may extendalong a first axis. The second internal space portion may extends alonga second axis. The third internal space portion may extends along athird axis. The first axis may be spaced apart from and parallel to thesecond axis. The first axis may be orthogonal to the third axis. Thesecond axis may be orthogonal to the third axis. The first and secondaxes may be spaced apart from each other and may be each orthogonal tothe third axis.

In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a fluid couplingsystem that includes a first fluid coupling device and a second fluidcoupling device that is releasably coupleable to the first fluidcoupling device. The first fluid coupling device includes a housingdefining an internal space and a valve assembly within the internalspace. The housing includes a first housing portion that defines a firstinternal space portion and a first end opening; a second housing portionthat defines a second internal space portion and a second end opening;and a third housing portion coupled to the first and second housingportions, the third housing portion defining a third internal spaceportion. The valve assembly includes a valve stem and a valve sleevethat is spring-biased to a closed position. The second fluid couplingdevice includes a housing defining an internal space, and a valveassembly within the internal space. The valve assembly includes a valvemember that is spring-biased to a closed position. The first and secondfluid coupling devices are releasably coupleable in a coupledarrangement by inserting a portion of the housing of the second fluidcoupling device into the first internal space portion via the first endopening to open the valve assemblies of the first and second fluidcoupling devices and to create an open fluid flow path through the fluidcoupling system.

Such a fluid coupling system may optionally include one or more of thefollowing features. The fluid coupling system may also include a latchmember coupled to the first housing portion. The latch member may beconfigured to releasably latch the first and second fluid couplingdevices in the coupled arrangement. The open fluid flow path through thefirst fluid coupling device may be U-shaped. The open fluid flow paththrough the second fluid coupling device may be L-shaped.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this documentcan be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages.First, some embodiments of the fluid coupling devices provide animproved non-spill connection and disconnection capability that mayadvantageously reduce or eliminate fluid spillage in some cases. Assuch, these embodiments of the fluid coupling devices described hereinmay be well-suited, for example, for use in fluid systems that provideliquid cooling to electronics such as computers and the like. Anotherbenefit from the non-spill design of the fluid couplings describedherein is the minimization of the inclusion of air into the fluid systemas the couplings are connected to each other.

Second, in some embodiments the fluid couplings are advantageouslyconstructed in a compact manner. Such a compact configuration can bebeneficial for applications that have a limited amount of space for thefluid couplings to be installed. Installations of the fluid couplingsfor fluid cooling of computer electronics can be one example of such anapplication.

Third, some embodiments of the fluid coupling devices provided hereinare advantageously designed with a robust latching system. That is, whenthe two halves of the coupling are operably connected with each other toprovide a fluid flow path therethrough, they are also mechanicallylocked together. In some embodiments, a wire clip latch member is usedto provide the mechanical lock. In some embodiments, to release the lockand separate the two halves of the coupling, the wire clip latch membermust first be removed, or a thumb latch must be depressed first. Thislatching system may reduce the likelihood of unintentionaldisconnections.

Fourth, in some embodiments, the fluid coupling devices mayadvantageously provide an indication of the temperature of the fluidinside of the coupling by comprising a color-changing material (e.g., athermochromic polymer) which is responsive to temperature. In someembodiments, other techniques for indicating the temperature of thefluid can be used such as, but not limited to, color-changing adhesivelabels applied to an outer surface of the coupling(s).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this disclosure pertains. In addition, the materials,methods, and examples of the embodiments described herein areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description herein. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid coupling assembly including anexample male fluid coupling device and an example female coupling devicearranged in a separated configuration, in accordance with someembodiments provided herein.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid couplingassembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fluid coupling assembly of FIG. 1arranged in an operable coupled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid couplingassembly of FIG. 1 arranged in the operable coupled configuration.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an end portion of the example femalecoupling device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example valve member of the examplemale fluid coupling device of FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example valve stem of the examplefemale fluid coupling device of FIG. 1

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another fluid coupling assemblyincluding another example male fluid coupling device and another examplefemale coupling device arranged in a separated configuration, inaccordance with some embodiments provided herein.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid couplingassembly of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fluid coupling assembly of FIG. 8arranged in an operable coupled configuration.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid couplingassembly of FIG. 8 arranged in the operable coupled configuration.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an end portion of the example femalecoupling device of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example valve member of the examplemale fluid coupling device of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example valve stem of the examplefemale fluid coupling device of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of a housing portion of the examplefemale coupling device of FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 16-18 are perspective views of a latch member of the example malefluid coupling device of FIG. 8 .

Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 , some example embodiments of a fluid couplingsystem 10 include a female coupling device 100 and a male couplingdevice 200 that are releasably coupleable to each other. The femalecoupling device 100 may also be referred to as a body 100 or a firstfluid coupling device 100. The male coupling device 200 may also bereferred to as an insert 200 or a second fluid coupling device 200.

The female coupling device 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110includes a first housing portion 110 a, a second housing portion 110 b,and a third housing portion 110 c. Each of the housing portions 110 a-cdefines an internal space.

The third housing portion 110 c is coupled to the first housing portion110 a and second housing portion 110 b. The third housing portion 110 cextends between the first housing portion 110 a and second housingportion 110 b. The third housing portion 110 c is disposed at a closedend of the fluid coupling device 100.

The male coupling device 200 includes a housing 210.

The first housing portion 110 a defines a first end opening 114 a. Thesecond housing portion 110 b defines a second end opening 114 b. In thedepicted embodiment, the first end opening 114 a and the second endopening 114 b both face in a same direction away from the third housingportion 110 c (which is a closed end of the fluid coupling device 100).

The first end opening 114 a is configured to receive a portion of thehousing 210 of the male coupling device 200 when the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200 are releasably coupled toeach other in an operable configuration that creates an open fluid flowpath through the female coupling device 100 and the male coupling device200. When the female coupling device 100 and the male coupling device200 are uncoupled from each other (as shown in FIG. 1 ) there is no openfluid flow path through either of the female coupling device 100 or themale coupling device 200. That is the case because each of the femalecoupling device 100 and the male coupling device 200 have internalvalves that are biased to closed arrangements (as described furtherbelow).

The second end opening 114 b of the female coupling device 100 is aconnection point (or “termination” 114 b) that can be used to couple thefemale coupling device 100 to various types of fluid-carrying members(e.g., a tube, a manifold, a pipe, a rail, a fitting, etc.). In thedepicted embodiment, the second end opening 114 b is simply an openport. In some embodiments, an adapter (e.g., a nipple, a spud, athreaded portion, a hose barb, a compression fitting, etc.) can be usedto connect the chosen type of fluid-carrying member to the femalecoupling device 100 via the second end opening 114 b.

The male coupling device 200 includes a connection point 202 (or“termination” 202) that can be used to couple the male coupling device200 to various types of fluid-carrying members (e.g., a tube, amanifold, a pipe, a rail, a fitting, etc.). In the depicted embodiment,the connection point 202 is a barbed termination. In other embodiments,the connection point 202 can be any other type of termination such as,but not limited to, a threaded portion, a compression fitting, asanitary fitting, a luer fitting, and the like, without limitation).

While the termination 114 b of the female coupling device 100 isdepicted as an open port, and the termination 202 of the male couplingdevice 200 is depicted as a barbed connection, it should be understoodthat the female coupling device 100 and/or the male coupling device 200can have any type of connections/terminations such as, but not limitedto, threaded connections, elbows, tees, sanitary fittings, compressionfittings, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The materials from which one or more of the components of the fluidcoupling system 10 are made of include thermoplastics and/or thermosets.In particular embodiments, the materials from which the components ofthe fluid coupling system 10 are made of are thermoplastics, such as,but not limited to, acetal, ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyetherether ketone, polysulphide, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polyethylene, Perfluoropolymers (PFA, PTFE, PCTFE and the like),polyphenylsulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), polyetherimide (PEI; e.g.,Ultem®), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone,Perfluoropolymers (PFA, PTFE, PCTFE and the like) and the like, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastics caninclude one or more fillers such as, but not limited to, glass fiber,glass bead, carbon fiber, talc, etc.

In some embodiments, the materials from which one or more of thecomponents of the fluid coupling system 10 are made of include metalssuch as, but not limited to stainless steel, brass, aluminum, platedsteel, zinc, and the like. In particular embodiments, one or both of thefemale coupling device 100 and the male coupling device 200 is/aremetallic-free. In some embodiments, one or both of the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200 includes one or more plastic(e.g., PEEK, PPS, etc.) or metallic spring members (e.g., PEEK, PPS,etc.) or metallic spring members (e.g., spring steel, stainless steelsuch as 316L, piano/music wire, beryllium copper, titanium, Hastelloy®,Inconel®, and the like). In some embodiments, such spring members can bemade an elastomeric material.

In certain embodiments, fluid coupling system 10 includes one or moregaskets or seals that are made of materials such as, but not limited to,silicone, fluoroelastomers (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM), perfluoroelastomers (e.g., FFKM, Kalrez®, Chemraz® and thelike), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), buna, buna-N, thermoplasticvulcanizates (TPV), and the like. In some embodiments, the gaskets orseals can have a cross-sectional shape that is an hourglass-shape, anoval shape, a circular shape, D-shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular,U-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, a polygonal shape, a multi-lobe shape, orany other suitable shape, without limitation.

In some embodiments, the couplings or portions thereof can beconstructed from a color-changing material (e.g., a thermochromicpolymer) that is responsive to temperature. Accordingly, the color ofsuch a coupling can provide an indication of the temperature of thefluid inside of the coupling. In some embodiments, other techniques forindicating the temperature of the fluid can be used such as, but notlimited to, color-changing adhesive labels applied to an outer surfaceof the coupling(s).

It should be understood that the components of the fluid coupling system10 (e.g., the female coupling device 100 and the male coupling device200) are scalable to virtually any desired size. Accordingly, the fluidcoupling system 10 can be scaled to connect a wide range of differentconduits or tubing sizes from very small conduits/tubing (e.g., 3 mm indiameter or smaller) to very large conduits/tubing (e.g., 50 mm indiameter or larger).

FIG. 2 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200. In these views, it can beseen that the female coupling device 100 includes a valve assembly 120and the male coupling device 200 includes a valve assembly 220. In thedepicted arrangements, the valve assembly 120 and the valve assembly 220are each in a closed arrangement in which the valve assembly 120 and thevalve assembly 220 block fluid flow through the female coupling device100 and the male coupling device 200, respectively.

As described above, the female coupling device 100 includes the firsthousing portion 110 a, the second housing portion 110 b, and the thirdhousing portion 110 c. Now in FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the firsthousing portion 110 a defines a first internal space portion 112 a thatextends along a first axis 111 a. The second housing portion 110 bdefines a second internal space portion 112 b that extends along asecond axis 111 b. The third housing portion 110 c defines a thirdinternal space portion 112 c that extends along a third axis 111 c (alsorefer to FIG. 5 ). The third internal space portion 112 c fluidlyinterconnects the first internal space portion 112 a and the secondinternal space portion 112 b. In other words, when the valve assembly120 is in its open configuration, the first end opening 114 a and thesecond end opening 114 b are in fluid communication via a seriescombination of the first internal space portion 112 a, the secondinternal space portion 112 b, and the third internal space portion 112c.

It can be seen that in the depicted embodiment, the first axis 111 a isorthogonal to the third axis 111 c. In addition, the second axis 111 bis orthogonal to the third axis 111 c. Further, in the depictedembodiment the first axis 111 a and the second axis 111 b are spacedapart from each other, are parallel to each other, and are eachorthogonal to the third axis 111 c. In other words, when the valveassembly 120 is in its open configuration, it can be said that the fluidflow path between the first end opening 114 a and the second end opening114 b is “U-shaped.”

The valve assembly 120 is located within the housing's first internalspace portion 112 a. The valve assembly 120 includes a valve stem 122(see also FIG. 7 ) and a valve sleeve 126 surrounding the valve stem122. The valve sleeve 126 is translatable (reconfigurable) along thevalve stem 122 (and along the first axis 111 a) between: (i) a firstarrangement (as shown in FIG. 4 ) in which a fluid flow path between thefirst end opening 114 a and second end opening 114 b is open, and (ii) asecond arrangement (as shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the valve assembly 120blocks the fluid flow path. The valve assembly 120 also includes aspring 128 that spring-biases the valve sleeve 126 to the secondarrangement (closed arrangement).

The male coupling device 200 includes the valve assembly 220 within thehousing's internal space 212. The valve assembly 220 includes a valvemember 222 (see also FIG. 6 ) and a spring 228. The valve member 222 istranslatable (reconfigurable) within the internal space 212 between: (i)a first arrangement (as shown in FIG. 4 ) in which a fluid flow paththrough the male coupling device 200 is open, and (ii) a secondarrangement (as shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the valve assembly 220 blocksthe fluid flow path through the male coupling device 200. The 228spring-biases the valve member 222 to the second arrangement (closedarrangement). When the valve member 222 is in its open arrangement, thefluid flow path through the male coupling device 200 is “L-shaped” inthe depicted embodiment (without limitation).

The female coupling device 100 includes multiple seals, e.g., a firstseal disposed between the valve stem 122 and the valve sleeve 126 (whenthe valve sleeve 126 is in its closed arrangement), a second sealdisposed between the valve sleeve 126 and the interior wall of the firsthousing portion 110 a (when the valve sleeve 126 is in its closedarrangement), and a third seal that becomes disposed between theinterior wall of the first housing portion 110 a and an exterior wall ofthe housing 210 of the male coupling device 200 when the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200 are partially and/or fullycoupled together.

The male coupling device 200 includes a seal disposed between the valvemember 222 and the interior wall of the housing 210 (when the valvemember 222 is in its closed arrangement).

FIG. 3 shows the fluid coupling system 10 in its operative configuration(or fully coupled configuration) in which the female coupling device 100and the male coupling device 200 are releasably coupled to each other tocreate an open fluid flow path through the fluid coupling system 10(i.e., between the opening defined by the termination 202 and the secondend opening 114 b).

The female coupling device 100 also includes a latch member 130 (e.g., awire clip or retainer). The latch member 130 engages into acircumferential groove 214 (see FIG. 2 ) to releasably latch the femalecoupling device 100 and the male coupling device 200 together in theoperative configuration. To uncouple the female coupling device 100 andthe male coupling device 200, the latch member 130 can be manuallydisengaged from the circumferential groove 214 by pulling the latchmember 130 outwardly away from the housing 110 of the female couplingdevice 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments another type of latchingmechanism can be used instead of the latch member 130. Some suchlatching mechanisms can include spring-loaded clips that are a part ofthe female coupling device 100, and that are manually depressible touncouple the female coupling device 100 and the male coupling device200. Such a spring-loaded clip can be releasably engaged in thecircumferential groove 214 of the male coupling device 200, and thenbecome disengaged from the circumferential groove 214 when manuallydepressed.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200 with the fluid couplingsystem 10 in its operative configuration in which the female couplingdevice 100 and the male coupling device 200 are releasably coupled toeach other to create an open fluid flow path through the fluid couplingsystem 10 (i.e., between the opening defined by the termination 202 andthe second end opening 114 b). In these views, it can be seen that thevalve sleeve 126 of the female coupling device 100 and the valve member222 of the male coupling device 200 are in their first, openarrangements.

To arrive at the depicted coupled arrangement (as compared to theuncoupled arrangement of FIG. 2 ), as the housing 210 of the malecoupling device 200 was inserted into the first end opening 114 a of thefemale coupling device 100, the face of the valve stem 122 pushed thevalve member 222 against its spring 228 to its open position, and theend face of the housing 210 pushed the valve sleeve 126 against itsspring 128 to its open position. The second and third seals of thefemale coupling device 100 seal against the exterior wall of the housing210 of the male coupling device 200.

During the process of coupling the female coupling device 100 and themale coupling device 200, the multiple seals of the couplings functionto reduce or eliminate the potential for air inclusion during thecoupling process. In addition, the multiple seals of the couplingsfunction to reduce or eliminate the potential for fluid spillage duringthe uncoupling process. The placement and function of the seals areillustrated and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,067,210,11,060,650, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/670,294 (which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties).

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the third internal space portion 112 cof the female coupling device 100. It can be seen that the thirdinternal space portion 112 c is flat and wide. This flat and wideconfiguration of the third internal space portion 112 c, and the factthat the third internal space portion 112 c interconnects the firstinternal space portion 112 a to the second internal space portion 112 b,advantageously enables the female coupling device 100 to have a compact,low profile.

It can be seen that, in the depicted embodiment, a cross-section of thethird internal space portion 112 c taken orthogonally to the third axis111 c (i.e., the direction of the fluid flow path) is oblong orrectangular. In some embodiments, a ratio of the width dimension to theheight dimension of the third internal space portion 112 c takenorthogonally to the third axis 111 c is in a range of 8:1 to 12:1, or6:1 to 10:1, or 4:1 to 8:1, or 9:1 to 14:1, without limitation.Moreover, an area of the oblong/rectangular cross-section of the thirdinternal space 111 c decreases along a direction from an end of thethird housing portion 110 c that is connected to the first housingportion 110 a to an end of the third housing portion 110 c that isconnected to the second housing portion 110 b. The third housing portion110 c includes one or more ribs 113 c within the third internal spaceportion 112 c that can support the valve stem 122 and/or that canprovide guidance for fluid flow through the third internal space portion112 c.

FIG. 8 depicts another example fluid coupling system. As shown, someexample embodiments of the fluid coupling system 30 include a femalecoupling device 300 and a male coupling device 400 that are releasablycoupleable to each other. The female coupling device 300 may also bereferred to as a body 300 or a first fluid coupling device 300. The malecoupling device 400 may also be referred to as an insert 400 or a secondfluid coupling device 400.

The female coupling device 300 includes a housing 310. The housing 310includes a first housing portion 310 a, a second housing portion 310 b,and a third housing portion 310 c. Each of the housing portions 310 a-cdefines an internal space.

The third housing portion 310 c is coupled to the first housing portion310 a and to the second housing portion 310 b. The third housing portion310 c extends between the first housing portion 310 a and the secondhousing portion 310 b. The third housing portion 310 c is disposed at aclosed end of the fluid coupling device 300.

The male coupling device 400 includes a housing 410.

The first housing portion 310 a defines a first end opening 314 a. Thesecond housing portion 310 b defines a second end opening 314 b. In thedepicted embodiment, the first end opening 314 a and the second endopening 314 b both face in a same direction away from the third housingportion 310 c (which is a closed end of the fluid coupling device 300).

The first end opening 314 a is configured to receive a portion of thehousing 410 of the male coupling device 400 when the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400 are releasably coupled toeach other in an operable configuration that creates an open fluid flowpath through the female coupling device 300 and the male coupling device400 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 ). When the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400 are uncoupled from eachother (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ) there is no open fluid flow paththrough either of the female coupling device 300 or the male couplingdevice 400. That is the case because each of the female coupling device300 and the male coupling device 400 have internal valves that arebiased to closed arrangements (as described further below).

The second end opening 314 b of the female coupling device 300 is aconnection point (or “termination” 314 b) that can be used to couple thefemale coupling device 300 to various types of fluid-carrying members(e.g., a tube, a manifold, a pipe, a rail, a fitting, etc.). In thedepicted embodiment, the second end opening 314 b is simply an openport. In some embodiments, an adapter (e.g., a nipple, a spud, athreaded portion, a hose barb, a compression fitting, etc.) can be usedto connect the chosen type of fluid-carrying member to the femalecoupling device 300 via the second end opening 314 b.

The male coupling device 400 includes a connection point 402 (or“termination” 402) that can be used to couple the male coupling device400 to various types of fluid-carrying members (e.g., a tube, amanifold, a pipe, a rail, a fitting, etc.). In the depicted embodiment,the connection point 402 is a barbed termination. In other embodiments,the connection point 402 can be any other type of termination such as,but not limited to, a threaded portion, a compression fitting, asanitary fitting, a luer fitting, and the like, without limitation).

While the termination 314 b of the female coupling device 300 isdepicted as an open port, and the termination 402 of the male couplingdevice 400 is depicted as a barbed connection, it should be understoodthat the female coupling device 300 and/or the male coupling device 400can have any type of connections/terminations such as, but not limitedto, threaded connections, elbows, tees, sanitary fittings, compressionfittings, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The individual components (e.g., bodies, valve members, springs, seals,etc.) of the fluid coupling assembly 30 can be configured like any ofthe variations, and made of any of the materials, as described aboveregarding the fluid coupling assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the couplings 300 and 400, or portions thereof, canbe constructed from a color-changing material (e.g., a thermochromicpolymer) that is responsive to temperature. Accordingly, the color ofsuch a coupling can provide an indication of the temperature of thefluid inside of the coupling. In some embodiments, other techniques forindicating the temperature of the fluid can be used such as, but notlimited to, color-changing adhesive labels applied to an outer surfaceof the coupling(s).

It should be understood that the components of the fluid coupling system30 (e.g., the female coupling device 300 and the male coupling device400) are scalable to virtually any desired size. Accordingly, the fluidcoupling system 30 can be scaled to connect a wide range of differentconduits or tubing sizes from very small conduits/tubing (e.g., 3 mm indiameter or smaller) to very large conduits/tubing (e.g., 50 mm indiameter or larger).

FIG. 9 shows longitudinal cross-sectional views of the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400. In these views, it can beseen that the female coupling device 300 includes a valve assembly 320and the male coupling device 400 includes a valve assembly 420. In thedepicted arrangements, the valve assembly 320 and the valve assembly 420are each in a closed arrangement in which the valve assembly 320 and thevalve assembly 420 block fluid flow through the female coupling device300 and the male coupling device 400, respectively.

As described above, the female coupling device 300 includes the firsthousing portion 310 a, the second housing portion 310 b, and the thirdhousing portion 310 c. Now in FIG. 9 , it can be seen that the firsthousing portion 310 a defines a first internal space portion 312 a thatextends along a first axis 311 a. The second housing portion 310 bdefines a second internal space portion 312 b that extends along asecond axis 311 b. The third housing portion 310 c defines a thirdinternal space portion 312 c that extends along a third axis 311 c (alsorefer to FIG. 12 ). The third internal space portion 312 c fluidlyinterconnects the first internal space portion 312 a and the secondinternal space portion 312 b. In other words, when the valve assembly320 is in its open configuration, the first end opening 314 a and thesecond end opening 314 b are in fluid communication via a seriescombination of the first internal space portion 312 a, the secondinternal space portion 312 b, and the third internal space portion 312c.

It can be seen that in the depicted embodiment, the first axis 311 a issubstantially orthogonal to the third axis 311 c. In addition, thesecond axis 311 b is substantially orthogonal to the third axis 311 c.Further, in the depicted embodiment the first axis 311 a and the secondaxis 311 b are spaced apart from each other, are substantially parallelto each other, and are each substantially orthogonal to the third axis311 c. In other words, when the valve assembly 320 is in its openconfiguration, it can be said that the fluid flow path between the firstend opening 314 a and the second end opening 314 b is “U-shaped.”

The valve assembly 320 is located within the housing's first internalspace portion 312 a. The valve assembly 320 includes a valve stem 322(see also FIG. 14 ) and a valve sleeve 326 surrounding the valve stem322. The valve sleeve 326 is translatable (reconfigurable) along thevalve stem 322 (and along the first axis 311 a) between: (i) a firstarrangement (as shown in FIG. 11 ) in which a fluid flow path betweenthe first end opening 314 a and second end opening 314 b is open, and(ii) a second arrangement (as shown in FIG. 9 ) in which the valveassembly 320 blocks the fluid flow path. The valve assembly 320 alsoincludes a spring 328 that extends into an annular pocket defined by thevalve sleeve 326 and spring-biases the valve sleeve 326 to the secondarrangement (closed arrangement). The valve assembly 320 also includes aseal 324 disposed in a seal recess of the valve stem 322. The seal 324creates a fluid tight seal between the valve stem 322 and the valvesleeve 326 when the valve sleeve 326 is in its second arrangement inwhich the fluid flow path is blocked.

The male coupling device 400 includes the valve assembly 420 within thehousing's internal space 412. The valve assembly 420 includes a valvemember 422 (see also FIG. 13 ), a seal 424, and a spring 428. The valvemember 422 is translatable (reconfigurable) within the internal space412 between: (i) a first arrangement (as shown in FIG. 11 ) in which afluid flow path through the male coupling device 400 is open, and (ii) asecond arrangement (as shown in FIG. 9 ) in which the valve assembly 420blocks the fluid flow path through the male coupling device 400. The 428spring-biases the valve member 422 to the second arrangement (closedarrangement). The seal 424 is disposed in a seal recess of the valvemember 422. The seal 424 creates a fluid tight seal between the valvemember 422 and the main body 410 when the valve member 422 is in itssecond arrangement in which the fluid flow path is blocked. The mainbody 410 includes an annular sealing surface that is oriented at anangle of about 45° relative to a central longitudinal axis 411 b alongwhich the valve member 422 translates.

When the valve member 422 is in its open arrangement, the fluid flowpath through the male coupling device 400 is “L-shaped” in the depictedembodiment (without limitation). Said another way, the main body 410defines a first central longitudinal axis 411 a and a second centrallongitudinal axis 411 b. The first central longitudinal axis 411 a issubstantially perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis 411b.

The female coupling device 300 includes multiple seals, e.g., the seal324 disposed between the valve stem 322 and the valve sleeve 326 (whenthe valve sleeve 326 is in its closed arrangement), a second seal 325 adisposed between the valve sleeve 326 and the interior wall of the firsthousing portion 310 a (when the valve sleeve 326 is in its closedarrangement), and a third seal 325 b that becomes disposed between theinterior wall of the first housing portion 310 a and an exterior wall ofthe housing 410 of the male coupling device 400 when the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400 are partially and/or fullycoupled together. A spacer 325 c is disposed between the seals 325 a-b.

FIG. 10 shows the fluid coupling system 30 in its operativeconfiguration (or fully coupled configuration) in which the femalecoupling device 300 and the male coupling device 400 are releasablycoupled to each other to create an open fluid flow path through thefluid coupling system 30 (i.e., between the opening defined by thetermination 402 and the second end opening 314 b).

The male coupling device 400 also includes a latch member 430 (also seeFIGS. 16-18 ) that is movably coupled to the housing 410. The latchmember 430 is movable (translatable or slidable) relative to the housing410 along the first central longitudinal axis 411 a (FIG. 9 ). The latchmember 430 can be moved toward the housing 410 by manually depressing asurface 434. The latch member 430 also includes a biasing member 436. Inthe depicted embodiment, the biasing member 436 is a flexiblecantilevered member that abuts the housing 410. In some embodiments, thebiasing member 436 can be a coil spring or a torsion spring. When aforce is exerted on the surface 434, the biasing member 436 is caused toelastically deflect. When the force is discontinued, the biasing member436 springs back so that the latch member 430 moves away from thehousing 410 to its default position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ).

The latch member 430 includes an arcuate projection 432 is releasablyengageable with a circumferential groove 315 defined by the firsthousing portion 310 a of the female coupling device 300 to releasablylatch the female coupling device 300 and the male coupling device 400together in the operative configuration.

During the process of coupling the male coupling device 400 and thefemale coupling device 300 (by moving the male coupling device 400 andthe female coupling device 300 toward each other), a beveled edge 432 b(FIG. 9 ) of the arcuate projection 432 will come into contact with anannular beveled surface surrounding the first end opening 314 a of thefemale coupling device 300. The contact between the bevels will causethe latch member 430 to be forced toward the housing 410 as the malecoupling device 400 and the female coupling device 300 are pushed towardeach other. This also loads the biasing member 436. As the male couplingdevice 400 and the female coupling device 300 are pushed farthertogether, the biasing member 436 will cause the arcuate projection 432to snap into engagement with the circumferential groove 315. Thislatches the male coupling device 400 and the female coupling device 300is the fully operational, coupled arrangement in which the valves 320and 420 are open and a flow path is opened through the fluid couplingsystem 30 (i.e., between the opening defined by the termination 402 andthe second end opening 314 b). While the male coupling device 400 andthe female coupling device 300 remain latched together, the malecoupling device 400 can be rotated 360° around the first axis 311 arelative to the female coupling device 300 to obtain any desiredconfiguration of the fluid coupling system 30.

The arcuate projection 432 extends less than 180° around the centrallongitudinal axis 411 b. To uncouple the female coupling device 300 andthe male coupling device 400, the latch member 430 can be manuallydisengaged from the circumferential groove 315 by pushing the surface434 of the latch member 430 toward from the housing 310 of the femalecoupling device 300. This disengages the arcuate projection 432 from thecircumferential groove 315. The male coupling device 400 can then beseparated from the female coupling device 300. The springs 328 and 428will naturally assist with the separation of the male coupling device400 and the female coupling device 300.

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400 with the fluid couplingsystem 30 in its operative configuration in which the female couplingdevice 300 and the male coupling device 400 are releasably coupled toeach other to create an open fluid flow path through the fluid couplingsystem 30 (i.e., between the opening defined by the termination 402 andthe second end opening 314 b). In these views, it can be seen that thevalve sleeve 326 of the female coupling device 300 and the valve member422 of the male coupling device 400 are in their first, openarrangements.

To arrive at the depicted coupled arrangement (as compared to theuncoupled arrangement of FIG. 9 ), as the housing 410 of the malecoupling device 400 was inserted into the first end opening 314 a of thefemale coupling device 300, the face of the valve stem 322 pushed thevalve member 422 against its spring 428 to its open position, and theend face of the housing 410 pushed the valve sleeve 326 against itsspring 328 to its open position. The second seal 325 a and the thirdseal 325 b of the female coupling device 300 seal against the exteriorwall of the housing 410 of the male coupling device 400.

During the process of coupling the female coupling device 300 and themale coupling device 400, the multiple seals of the coupling devices 300and 400 function to reduce or eliminate the potential for air inclusionduring the coupling process. In addition, the multiple seals of thecoupling devices 300 and 400 function to reduce or eliminate thepotential for fluid spillage during the uncoupling process. Theplacement and function of the seals are illustrated and described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,067,210, 11,060,650, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/670,294 (which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties).

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the third internal space portion 312 cof the female coupling device 300. It can be seen that the thirdinternal space portion 312 c is flat and wide. This flat and wideconfiguration of the third internal space portion 312 c, and the factthat the third internal space portion 312 c interconnects the firstinternal space portion 312 a to the second internal space portion 312 b,advantageously enables the female coupling device 300 to have a compact,low profile.

It can be seen that, in the depicted embodiment, a cross-section 15-15(see also FIG. 15 ) of the third internal space portion 312 c takenorthogonally to the third axis 311 c (i.e., the direction of the fluidflow path) is oblong or rectangular, with a central rib 313 c. In someembodiments, a ratio of the width dimension to the height dimension ofthe third internal space portion 312 c taken orthogonally to the thirdaxis 311 c is in a range of 8:1 to 12:1, or 6:1 to 10:1, or 4:1 to 8:1,or 9:1 to 14:1, without limitation. Moreover, an area of theoblong/rectangular cross-section of the third internal space 311 cdecreases along a direction from an end of the third housing portion 310c that is connected to the first housing portion 310 a to an end of thethird housing portion 310 c that is connected to the second housingportion 310 b. The third housing portion 310 c includes one or more ribs313 c within the third internal space portion 312 c that can support thevalve stem 322, increase the bending resistance of the third housingportion 310 c, and/or that can provide guidance for fluid flow throughthe third internal space portion 312 c.

Axes that are said to be substantially perpendicular or orthogonal toeach other means that the axes define an angle of 90°+/−5° or 900+/−10°.Axes that are said to be substantially parallel to each other means thatthe axes define an angle of 0°+/−5° or 0°+/−10°. When an angle is saidto be “about” X° (a certain number of degrees), that means a toleranceof X°+/−5° or X°+/−10°.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinvention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures that may be specific to particular embodiments of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Moreover, the separation of various system modules andcomponents in the embodiments described herein should not be understoodas requiring such separation in all embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid coupling device comprising: a housingdefining an internal space and comprising: a first housing portion thatdefines a first internal space portion and a first end opening; a secondhousing portion that defines a second internal space portion and asecond end opening; and a third housing portion coupled to the first andsecond housing portions, the third housing portion defining a thirdinternal space portion; and a valve assembly coupled to the housing andcomprising a valve stem and a valve sleeve, wherein the valve assemblyis reconfigurable between: (i) a first arrangement in which a fluid flowpath between the first and second end openings is open, and (ii) asecond arrangement in which the valve assembly blocks the fluid flowpath, wherein the third housing portion is disposed at a closed end ofthe fluid coupling device.
 2. The fluid coupling device of claim 1,wherein the valve assembly is within the first internal space portion.3. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein a first portion of thefluid flow path extends through the first internal space portion,wherein a second portion of the fluid flow path extends through thesecond internal space portion, wherein a third portion of the fluid flowpath extends through the third internal space portion, and wherein thethird portion of the fluid flow path interconnects the first and secondportions of the fluid flow path.
 4. The fluid coupling device of claim3, wherein a cross-section of the third internal space portion takenorthogonally to an axial direction of the third portion of the fluidflow path is a rectangular cross-section.
 5. The fluid coupling deviceof claim 4, wherein an area of the rectangular cross-section of thethird internal space decreases along a direction from an end of thethird housing portion that is connected to the first housing portion toan end of the third housing portion that is connected to the secondhousing portion.
 6. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein thefluid flow path between the first and second end openings is U-shaped.7. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the first and secondend openings both face in a same direction away from the closed end ofthe fluid coupling device.
 8. The fluid coupling device of claim 1,wherein the first internal space portion extends along a first axis,wherein the second internal space portion extends along a second axis,wherein the third internal space portion extends along a third axis, andwherein the first axis is spaced apart from and parallel to the secondaxis.
 9. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the firstinternal space portion extends along a first axis, wherein the secondinternal space portion extends along a second axis, wherein the thirdinternal space portion extends along a third axis, and wherein the firstaxis is orthogonal to the third axis.
 10. The fluid coupling device ofclaim 1, wherein the first internal space portion extends along a firstaxis, wherein the second internal space portion extends along a secondaxis, wherein the third internal space portion extends along a thirdaxis, and wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the third axis. 11.The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the first internal spaceportion extends along a first axis, wherein the second internal spaceportion extends along a second axis, wherein the third internal spaceportion extends along a third axis, and wherein the first and secondaxes are spaced apart from each other and are each orthogonal to thethird axis.
 12. A fluid coupling system comprising: (i) a first fluidcoupling device and (ii) a second fluid coupling device that isreleasably coupleable to the first fluid coupling device, wherein thefirst fluid coupling device comprises: a housing defining an internalspace and comprising: a first housing portion that defines a firstinternal space portion and a first end opening; a second housing portionthat defines a second internal space portion and a second end opening;and a third housing portion coupled to the first and second housingportions at a closed end of the fluid coupling device the third housingportion defining a third internal space portion; and a valve assemblywithin the internal space and comprising a valve stem and a valve sleevethat is spring-biased to a closed position, and wherein the second fluidcoupling device comprises: a housing defining an internal space; and avalve assembly within the internal space and comprising a valve memberthat is spring-biased to a closed position, wherein the first and secondfluid coupling devices are releasably coupleable in a coupledarrangement by inserting a portion of the housing of the second fluidcoupling device into the first internal space portion via the first endopening to open the valve assemblies of the first and second fluidcoupling devices and to create an open fluid flow path through the fluidcoupling system.
 13. The fluid coupling system of claim 12, furthercomprising a latch member coupled to the first housing portion, andwherein the latch member is configured to releasably latch the first andsecond fluid coupling devices in the coupled arrangement.
 14. The fluidcoupling system of claim 12, further comprising a latch member movablycoupled to the housing of the second fluid coupling device, and whereinthe latch member is configured to releasably latch the first and secondfluid coupling devices in the coupled arrangement.
 15. The fluidcoupling system of claim 14, wherein the latch member is orthogonallymovable relative to an axis that the valve assembly of the second fluidcoupling device is movable along.
 16. The fluid coupling system of claim12, wherein the open fluid flow path through the first fluid couplingdevice is U-shaped.
 17. The fluid coupling system of claim 12, whereinthe open fluid flow path through the second fluid coupling device isL-shaped.
 18. The fluid coupling system of claim 12, wherein the openfluid flow path through the fluid coupling system is U-shaped throughthe first fluid coupling device and L-shaped through the second fluidcoupling device.
 19. A fluid coupling device comprising: a housingdefining an internal space and a fluid flow path that extends along afirst axis and along a second axis, wherein the first and second axesare substantially perpendicular to each other; a valve assembly withinthe internal space and comprising a valve member that is movable alongthe second axis and spring-biased to a closed position that blocks thefluid flow path; and a latch member coupled to the housing and movablerelative to the housing along the first axis between a latched positionand an unlatched position, wherein the latch member is configured toreleasably latch the fluid coupling device to a mated fluid couplingdevice in a coupled arrangement that opens the fluid flow path.
 20. Thefluid coupling device of claim 19, wherein the latch member isspring-biased to the latched position.